Chapter 104: Your Lady Is Right Next Door, I Bet You Can’t Wake Her (4)

Chapter 104: Your Lady Is Right Next Door, I Bet You Can't Wake Her (4)

Lilith nodded as she made her way to the dressing room, eager to select an outfit before heading to the dining room for breakfast.

She left the task of tidying up to her ever-loyal maid, Tia.

As Tia stood up, she glanced at Lilith's retreating figure, a sense of disappointment welling in her heart.

Had she really been this obvious, and yet Lilith still hadn't noticed?

Noticed what?

Lilith, ever the theoretical queen of seduction but lacking practical experience, couldn't grasp what was wrong.

In her naive mind, Tia's stiffness could only mean she'd slept in an awkward position or overexerted herself during training.

It wasn't entirely unreasonable.

But Tia didn't know that.

All she knew was that last night, despite the commotion just a wall away, her lady hadn't stirred. Not even once.

And today, even as the signs of her physical discomfort were plain to see, Lilith didn't seem to care, not sparing her even a single question of concern.

Lilith had already rationalized it in her mind. There was no need to ask about something so potentially embarrassing.

After all, whether it was numbness from sleep or a strain from training, it was a private matter. As a considerate mistress, she wouldn't bring it up and risk embarrassing her maid.

'I truly am such a kind and thoughtful lady!'

Of course, there was another, less flattering reason.

Why should she pay attention to something that was already hers?

Her loyal, icy maid was firmly in her grasp, while the enchanting yet unclaimed elf princess was a challenge yet to be conquered.

It was an easy choice.

If Tia was hurt, a little medicine and rest would suffice. If she was stiff, it would resolve itself with time.

Why lower herself to inquire further?

What Lilith didn't realize was that her casual indifference only deepened Tia's disappointment.

'In her eyes, I truly don't exist.'

Tia's gaze toward Lilith changed.

What once had been admiration was now tinged with ambition.

She wanted Lilith to notice her, to see her as more than just a servant.

But the proud and aloof lady would never lower her eyes to an insignificant maid, no matter how much she was admired.

'Unless they stood on the same level.'

The seeds of darkness in Tia's heart began to take root.

While she despised the idea of someone like Shia tainting her beloved lady, the thought of Lilith and herself standing as equals was oddly satisfying.

Involuntarily, her thoughts wandered back to Shia's actions the previous night. A soft blush crept across her cheeks, lending her an alluring, shy charm.

'That man may be wicked, but his strength is undeniable.'

Even someone as cold and arrogant as herself had been compelled to call him master.

An audacious idea took shape in Tia's mind, sprouting and growing rapidly.

'What if the lady experienced… the same thing? Would she finally change?'

Unbeknownst to Lilith, her lack of attention was leading her maid down a dangerous path.

At the moment, however, Lilith was blissfully unaware, happily picking out her stockings.

Suddenly, a chill ran up her spine, cold and sharp, crawling from her feet to her back.

She froze, her hand hovering over a pair of ultra-thin, semi-transparent stockings.

Lilith turned to the window, puzzled.

The sky was blue, with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily. Towering green trees and blooming flowers painted a lush, vibrant scene.

It didn't look like autumn at all.

'Why does it feel so cold?'

She shifted her hand to a slightly thicker pair—black, opaque tights—and pulled them out.

Her gaze swept over her collection of stockings and skirts before she turned back toward the room.

"Tia."

Tia flinched, jolted out of her wicked thoughts.

Had the lady caught on to her dark musings?

Her heart raced with nervous guilt.

"Yes, my lady?"

"The weather is getting colder. Make sure to stock up on new clothes."

With that, Lilith returned to her wardrobe, oblivious to the turmoil brewing in her maid's heart.

Tia's rapid heartbeat gradually calmed, replaced by a wave of disappointment and regret.

For a fleeting moment, she had thought Lilith had finally noticed her, finally realized something.

But as always, she had been overthinking.

What should have been a moment of relief left her hollow instead.

Her lady, oblivious and indifferent, was far from the image she had idolized.

'If only things could change,' Tia thought, her gaze growing darker and more intense.

She bowed gracefully, her movements deliberate yet slow.

"Yes, my lady."

---

Meanwhile, across the villa, another scenario was unfolding.

Shia's efforts to integrate into the social sphere had been paying off.

The timid and socially awkward princess, Rong, had transformed from an aloof, reserved figure into someone who could comfortably engage in simple conversations.

The two sat across from each other, Shia asking questions while Rong responded.

The topics were lighthearted and mundane:

"Have you eaten?"

"Want to head to class together?"

"What are your favorite things?"

There were also situational exercises, like chatting during breakfast.

Rong handled these with growing confidence, no longer stumbling over her words or blurting out awkward responses.

By the end of the morning's practice, the progress was undeniable.

"Not bad! You've come a long way."

Shia's grin was full of encouragement.

Rong was pleased too, though her reserved nature meant her smile was only faint.

"Keep it up. I'm sure you'll get better and better."